Estonian Jaan Kirsipuu has proved that age holds no barriers as he powered to victory in the first stage of the 2009 Jayco Herald Sun Tour today.

The forty year-old out-powered his younger competitors throughout the 149km, to claim the win ahead of Jonathan Cantwell and Chris Sutton, who rounded out the podium on day one.

The cycling veteran is no stranger to the world scene, having won four stages of the Tour de France during his career and said his that despite his age, he has always continued to ride.

“I never retired. For the last two years I have been mostly at home in Estonia but I never stopped riding. Now I am riding around the world in places I did not ride so much before,” Kirsipuu said.

“If I have a number on my back, I am a rider. I don’t want to feel ridiculous.”

Former world champion and Tour favourite, Bradley Wiggins, finished in fourth spot, leading home the main peloton in a time of 3 hours, 41 minutes and 58 seconds.

The Briton looked comfortable all day and is expected to be right up in the mix of things for the reminder of the week.

Matthew Wilson was the best placed Australian, finishing in seventh spot, while Nick Aitken finished 14th.

Stage two will begin tomorrow 10:30am local time, and see riders cycle over 143 kilometres from Colac to Warrnambool.

The event will wrap up this Saturday 17 Oct, with the final stage in the states capital city, Melbourne.